Despite large-scale renovation work on the Boulevard de Riquier in Nice, no cycling infrastructure is planned. The Nice à Vélo association denounces a violation of the Environmental Code and submits an informal appeal to request the project’s compliance.
The requalification project for the Boulevard de Riquier, launched by the Nice municipality, includes a set of transformations: speed limit reduced to 30 km/h, raised road at intersections, widened sidewalks, greening, and stormwater management. The construction covers more than 5,000 m² of sidewalks and more than 6,000 m² of roadway. But in all this, not a word about cyclists.
The only measure proposed in their favor would be to allow bicycles to use the bus lane, as is already the case. This solution is deemed insufficient by the Nice à Vélo association and especially non-compliant with legislation.
In an informal appeal sent to the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis on April 20, 2025, the association officially requests a project review. The issue: non-compliance with Article L228-2 of the Environmental Code, which requires the implementation of suitable cycling infrastructure in the case of urban road renovations, except in cases of major space or safety constraints.
“The Boulevard de Riquier is wide enough to allow for the development of a bidirectional cycle lane”, reads the appeal. North of Rue Scaliero, there are three lanes and a parking lane. To the south, there are two lanes, a parking lane, and a service lane. According to Nice à Vélo, it would be possible to transform one of the lanes or part of the parking into a secure route.
A proposal for improvement, not a rejection of the project
Nice à Vélo clarifies that this approach is not intended to block the requalification but to incorporate cyclists, in accordance with the law. “This appeal is not opposed to municipal orientations, but rather seeks to complement them”, the association’s leaders explain. They see the inclusion of a cycle track as a lever to improve traffic, reduce pollution, and ensure the safety of all users.
The appeal also highlights the lack of cycling infrastructure in the Riquier neighborhood and the absence of a structured north-south route. These shortcomings cannot be remedied by a simple coexistence of bicycles and buses, which is considered dangerous in a dense traffic context.
Beyond safety, the association also warns about the legal consequences of a non-compliant project: risk of annulment by a judge, budgetary complexities due to potential alterations during the project, or even the criminal liability of the mayor in case of an accident.
Nice à Vélo requests the city of Nice to provide the technical documents of the project, particularly the layout plans, in order to more precisely evaluate the possible maneuverability. They also propose concrete solutions, such as the partial closure of a service lane to facilitate the passage of cyclists and residents while limiting motorized transit.
By filing this informal appeal, the association aims to open a dialogue. It expresses its willingness to participate in a project review that would account for cycling traffic, in a spirit of cooperation.
